We are conquers, we are survivors but we are also sufferers
Life was perfect I was living my best life. I was working full-time as a dog groomer and found what I loved to do! I also was on a competitive dance team and had a solo that year I was literally living my dream. Then came August 18th 2020 the worst day of my life. That’s when my world changed the symptoms all started. I wasn’t sure what was happening to me I was just so young and healthy that I was so scared what could be wrong? I was so off that day light headed, dizzy, tired, extreme headache, ear pain, ear fullness, ringing in the ear, extremely dizzy where I couldn’t even sit up….. I was bed bound for a few weeks until I could finally sit up. But still couldn’t stand or walk without feeling like I was going to faint. Luckily I was 19 so I still lived at home and my mom had to help wait on me and do the simple everyday task for me that now seemed impossible. I got so depressed and would just breakdown some days feeling so alone. It was so hard to explain to family, friends, work and even new people I met what I am going through. Nobody understood and I’m not even sure if they ever will. I had to quit my job, I also had to quit dance not sure if I will ever be able to dance again. I also had to stop driving for a very long time. It was like all of a sudden I was paralyzed or something where I couldn’t do anything. It’s now been almost a year and I’m still struggling with this illness each and every day 24/7. But I’ve made improvements I can now stand & walk a bit more, I also can now drive!! I can work now as well and I started my own business so it can fit my needs. Yes, labyrinthitis sucks and I hate dealing with it but I learned to never take anything for granted. It’s taught me to enjoy the better days I have. I also got a golden retriever puppy and she is now 10 months old and she is helping me everyday want to get up out of bed and have fun & do something. She has definitely saved me during this long journey I’ve had so far. The biggest thing I’ve learned is don’t assume anything, we may look normal, happy & healthy but on the inside we are struggling big time you don’t know what anyone is going through or their symptoms and it’s incredibly hard for us to explain what we all are going through.